Engaging Academics in a Low-Stress Environment

A Student-Centered Educational Experience.

Holden’s academics emphasize teamwork, problem solving, and collaboration through small classes, community education, 1-1 support, and individual differentiation. This curriculum prepares students for collegiate level coursework, trade school success, and professional careers. Our approach sparks a lifelong love of learning that prepares our students for many post-high school paths. Holden offers small classes, community education, one-on-one support, and online learning platforms. Our approach sparks a love of learning that prepares young people for life and continued learning after high school.

Our students feel safe, valued, and trusted in the Holden community. Holden’s collaborative environment fosters respect and encourages young people to explore and fully engage in their own abilities and interests.

Small Class Sizes

Academic classes at Holden are deliberately kept small in order to better differentiate instruction and meet individual student needs. This fosters a prime learning environment for engagement, reasoning, interpretation, and critical thinking skills.

Engaging Curriculum

Holden’s academics provide a comprehensive high school program that includes a wide range of classes in language arts, mathematics, social science, lab science, and electives including second languages, computer science, art, music, and drama. Classes focus on depth over breadth and give students ample opportunities for success. Many are discussion and project-based. Teachers create and adjust the curriculum to engage students’ interests and move them forward academically.

Trusting Relationships with Adults

Studies routinely show that a trusting relationship with an adult can be game changing for a struggling student. Developing connection with our students is key to supporting them academically. A strong connection with an adult at school increases student motivation and promotes learning.

Students are Safe and Accepted

Students are better able to learn when they feel safe. Evidence from the fields of neuroscience and cognitive psychology shows that physical and emotional stress can have a profound impact on working memory and self-control. Students who have experienced emotional or physical bullying find safety and acceptance within our inclusive community. The Holden staff is committed to supporting marginalized students by addressing our own biases and celebrating the unique gifts that each student brings into the classroom. Our program encourages community participation and social responsibility.

A Reasonable Approach to Homework

Students receive meaningful homework that meets their specific educational needs and furthers classroom learning. Students are given time in their school schedule for homework support. Our program has had great success in teaching homework-averse students to take responsibility for classwork and prepare them for the reality of college and vocational programs.

Learn to Love Learning

Students who have developed a negative relationship with school rekindle their innate curiosity at Holden. For over 50 years, Holden has helped students to overcome self-limiting beliefs and supported them in becoming lifelong learners.

Holden's Full High School Program Includes:

5 days per week of academic, elective, and social-emotional support services

ENGAGING ACADEMICS & ELECTIVE CLASSES

[LEARN MORE]

ENGAGED ACADEMICS & ELECTIVES IN A LOW-STRESS ENVIRONMENT

Small class size (4-12 students per class)
Mixed grade level classes
Manageable homework load
Seminar style classes and experiential opportunities for learning
Credit for learning done outside of school hours
10am start time
No fail school: students earn credit for the work they complete

CONNECTED, COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY

[LEARN MORE]

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Weekly, student-run Community Meetings
School-wide community service
Weekly one-on-one counseling
Student council
Family support services

FUTURE STEPS: PREPARATION FOR LIFE

[LEARN MORE]

TRANSITION PROGRAM: FUTURE STEPS + PREPARATION FOR LIFE

Grade Level Projects
Dedicated Transition Classes (College Empowerment & DPV)
Focus on Social Emotional Learning
Dedicated Staff (College and Transition Counselors)